Certain parts of Trinidad & Tobago get flood due to the landscape, this page take from the Guardian, gives hints on what to do after a flood in cleaning your home

Books

For your favourite books, it will be wise to wait until they are dried before you start doing anything with them. Then press them together; this helps prevent mildew. A fan also works in hastening the process.

Cornstarch and talcum powder put between the leaves of books also work to absorb any moisture left behind. Leave powder in the books for several hours and then brush off. When books are thoroughly dried, close them and use C-clamps to help them retain their shape.

A great precautionary measure is to photocopy important papers and documents.

Cooking utensils

Before you use any pots or pans, make sure they're properly washed and sterilised. Don't be afraid to detach pieces of equipment to clean them. Like removing plastic and wooden handles from frying pans and saucepans.

The utensils should also be washed in hot, sudsy water using a brush, if necessary, to remove dirt. When you've done this, rinse in clear water.

To sterilise, use a solution of 1 1/2 tablespoons to a gallon of water or immerse dishes in boiling water for at least two minutes.

Cleaning flood-soiled carpets

Dry them, dry them, dry them - that should be your rules of thumb for cleaning rugs and carpets.

To ensure you don't have to replace your favourite rug or carpet it is important to dry them as soon as possible or you run the risk of mildew ruining the fabric.

Pull up waterlogged rugs immediately to prevent further damage to the floor. If possible, dry small rugs outdoors in sunlight.

To get air and heat to carpets, however, open windows - of course, if weather permits, or use a fan to get the job done.

Do not try to vacuum, sweep or shampoo carpets until they are thoroughly dry.

Here's another tip: moving the vacuum slowly along the carpet picks up more dirt.

Getting rid of the Stench

Finally, to get rid of the stench that seems to be unavoidable after a flood, it's best to scrub all interior surfaces that were in contact with flood waters.

Use hot sudsy water followed by a rinse solution of two tablespoons of sodium hypo-chlorite (chlorine) laundry bleach to a gallon of water. Or use a liquid household disinfectant, following manufacturers directions. Repeat the scrubbing and rinsing if necessary until the odour is gone.